Islamabad: The US embassy in Pakistan on Tuesday strongly condemned the "senseless and inhuman" Taliban assault on a military-run school and called for joint efforts to eliminate insurgency in the region.

The embassy said the US "strongly condemns senseless and inhumane attacks on innocent students and educators, and stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, and all who fight the menace of terrorism."

"Ambassador Richard Olson extends the deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims of Tuesday's heinous attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar," it said.

In one of the most gruesome attacks on children anywhere in the world, at least six Taliban militants stormed the school on Warsak Road and went classroom-to-classroom shooting indiscriminately.

At least 160 people, mostly children, died in the attack.

The US embassy in a statement said few have suffered more at the hands of terrorists and extremists than the people of Pakistan.

"That is why it remains essential for the United States and Pakistan to continue to work together to secure peace and stability in the region."